Are you trapped in career limbo? Telltale signs may include a sick feeling in your stomach when Sunday night rolls around, jealousy when a friend lands a dynamic new job, or a quick change of subject when someone asks you how work is going.

Take these steps to escape your career rut:

Identify the Problem

Find out exactly what is behind your career dissatisfaction. For instance, are you bored and have too much time on your hands? Are you exhausted from constant 10-hour workdays? Maybe the daily commute is just too long and tiring.

Be as specific as possible in pinpointing what you’d like to change. Jot down the items you don’t like about your current situation, as well as the ones you do like. This will help you to zero in on precisely what changes you need to make.

Do Your Research

Learn as much as you can about jobs, companies, industries and/or new locales — whatever it takes to eliminate your current stalemate.

Look for positions that will capitalize on the “plusses” in your current job, while avoiding the things you don’t like. You may not even need a completely new position, just some adjustments in your current role. Before you can approach your boss with suggestions, you need to know exactly what it is you need.

If you need a change, think about your interests and passions. Explore ideas that may be a total departure from what you do now. Contact career-savvy friends, colleagues, teachers and others who may be helpful, as you redirect your career path.

Have a Game Plan

Hone in on the direction you truly want to pursue. It’s your life, so look at and weigh every single option. Which ones excite you the most? Once you choose a goal, start mapping out the steps needed to reach it.

Evaluate your current skills. Determine which ones you need to update or improve, as well as which new abilities you should develop. In today’s ever-evolving world, things change faster than anyone can envision, so you need to stay up to date.

Attend more networking and professional development events. Not only will you benefit from what you learn, but you also will add to your network of contacts.

Make it Happen

You’ve defined the problem, done your homework, and made a plan. Now, it’s time to launch it!

Take out your calendar and schedule the tasks you need to accomplish – and when. Write them down. This may seem a bit silly, but it will keep you on track and accountable to the most important “boss” in your life: yourself.

Remind yourself of why you’re working so hard on this. Maybe it’s a picture of your dream job posted on your fridge or bulletin board, or a motivational memo to yourself. Whatever it takes, keep your eyes on the prize and be persistent. Before you know it, you’ll look forward to getting dressed and going to the office again!

Do you need additional help to get your career back on track? Consider partnering with a recruiter from Select Group, Inc. Through our extensive list of openings, contacts, and industry knowledge, we can help you to get excited about the future. Contact us today to learn more.